Australia said on Thursday it now recommends the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine over that produced by AstraZeneca for people aged below 50 after Europe’s drug regulator confirmed a possible link between AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine and rare blood clotting issues in adults who had received the shot.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said that while the risk is extremely low, the country's experts have changed their advice for those at greatest risk. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison later said it's up to people under 50 if they still want the AstraZeneca jab. 

The country will continue to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine to people over 70.

(With input from Reuters)